Fairmont Zimbali Resort opens the doors for fans of the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Toronto, June 1, 2010 –Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the opening of Fairmont Zimbali Resort, an exclusive and elegant 154-room property, located along the sublime eastern coast of South Africa. Fairmont Zimbali Resort joins the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, a 76-room property set nearby along the beach.

“Zimbali” is the Zulu word for “Valley of Flowers”. Nestled between the pristine beauty of a 700-hectare forest reserve and the shimmering beaches of Kwa-Zulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast on the Indian Ocean, Fairmont Zimbali Resort is an oasis of unspoiled beauty. The resort is just 15 minutes from the brand new King Shaka International Airport (KSIA). Soccer fans will appreciate being just a short drive away from Durban, one of the nine host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup that kicks off in mid-June.

Spectacular ocean views, tasteful architectural design and a plethora of dining options are the trademarks of Fairmont Zimbali Resort. With sweeping private verandas and luxurious soaking tubs, guest rooms are styled with stone, wood and the natural materials of the African environment. The range of dining rooms and lounges offer something for every palate, including an elegant steakhouse serving South Africa’s finest grain fed beef and seafood, a beach club offering wood-fired pizza and barbecue, a sensual wine and tapas bar, pool and beach side cocktail bars and a relaxing tea and coffee lounge featuring strong African roasts and Fairmont teas.

With ample space to relax and play and a stunning ballroom that can accommodate 180 guests, the resort is ideal for entertaining conferences, weddings and galas. Those planning to say “I do” have the option of taking their vows in a chapel among the birds and butterflies of the tropical forest, or at the edge of the Indian Ocean on one of the most exquisite beaches in the world.

The site is surrounded by an abundance of recreational sites and activities. Game-viewing expeditions, safari outings, animal and crocodile farm tours, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, surfing, micro-light flying, boating, fishing, shark and dolphin tours are all within easy access. The rich heritage of KwaZulu-Natal is a cultural wonderland for learning and exploration, with historical Zulu battlefields and two UNESCO World Heritage sites nearby: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba/Drakensburg Park.

For guests who prefer not to stray from the Resort, the Willow Stream Spa offers a perfect place to escape, with eight treatment and steam rooms. There are also five outdoor swimming pools onsite, including a freshwater pool and saltwater pools overlooking the Indian Ocean. For golf aficionados, an 18-hole golf course is currently under construction, designed by golf champion, Gary Player. At the nearby Zimbali Country Club, the Tom Weiskopf-designed course, one of the finest courses in South Africa, is already in play.

The property is equipped with high-speed Internet access and video-on-demand, ensuring that even along this unspoiled shoreline, guests never need be out of touch with the latest news, movies and games.